Join Penn Career Services March 13-17 for a week of professional and career development programs that will support and enhance a first generation graduate student experience at Penn. The programming is supported by GAPSA and is presented in collaboration with a variety of student-focused offices across Penn’s campus.

A first-generation (first-gen) graduate student is someone who is the first in their immediate family to attend graduate school and pursue a graduate degree. This can include master’s or doctoral programs in a variety of fields such as business, law, medicine, or the sciences. First-gen graduate students can face unique challenges as they navigate the graduate school experience without the guidance or support of family members who have gone through the process. A first-generation graduate student can also refer to international students who are the first in their immediate family to study for a graduate degree in the United States. These students may face additional challenges, such as cultural and language barriers, as well as the added stress of being away from home and family. They also may not have the same level of support and guidance from their family as they navigate the unfamiliar education system and cultural landscape of the United States.

While focused primarily on the experiences and perspectives of first gen graduate students, this week of programs is open to all graduate students, and all are encouraged to take advantage of the sessions that will help them gain more confidence in their professional and career development. Some of these sessions will be recorded so they can be accessed after they are presented. Visit https://careerservices.upenn.edu/2023-first-gen-graduate-student-week/ for more details, including the schedule of events.